Last updated: June 2, 2025
Understanding the UV Index is crucial for residents and visitors in Sankt Stephan, Switzerland, where the high-altitude climate can significantly elevate sun exposure risk. The UV Index provides a clear indication of the sun's intensity, helping you make informed choices to protect against sunburn and long-term skin damage. With UV levels peaking at a striking 11 around midday, it's essential to stay aware of these fluctuations throughout the day. By recognizing the importance of UV Index awareness, you can better enjoy your time outdoors while prioritizing skin health in this picturesque alpine setting.
The UV Index shows a dramatic rise as the morning unfolds, starting at a low of 1 at 07:00. By 08:00, it gently climbs to 2, and by 09:00, it reaches 3. The mid-morning reveals a surge, peaking at 5 by 10:00. As the sun reaches its zenith, the UVI soars to a staggering 10 at noon, with a climb to 11 at 13:00, marking the highest point of the day. Just after, it gradually dips, but remains considerable at 10 by 14:00 and 9 at 15:00. The afternoon sees a striking decrease to 7 at 16:00 and continues to fall, landing at 3 by 18:00, before tapering off to 1 by 19:00. It's a clear reminder to stay sun-safe during those peak hours!
| Time | UVI | Category | Time to Burn |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
| 08:00 | 2 | low | 45 min |
| 09:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 10:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 11:00 | 8 | very high | 15 min |
| 12:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 13:00 | 11 | extreme | 10 min |
| 14:00 | 10 | very high | 15 min |
| 15:00 | 9 | very high | 15 min |
| 16:00 | 7 | high | 25 min |
| 17:00 | 5 | moderate | 30 min |
| 18:00 | 3 | moderate | 30 min |
| 19:00 | 1 | low | 45 min |
Throughout the year, UV exposure varies significantly, with the high-risk months typically occurring from March to August. During this period, UV Index values peak, reaching 11 in June, categorized as extreme, with a burn time of only 10 minutes. The very high category, with indices of 8 to 10, persists from April through July, signaling a critical need for skin protection. Conversely, the lower risk months of November and December present a notable decline in UV exposure, dropping to an index of 3 and 2, respectively, where burn times increase to 30 and 45 minutes. Visitors and residents should be especially vigilant during the spring and summer months, employing sunscreen, protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak hours to shield themselves from harmful UV rays.
UV Risk Categories
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basel UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Bern UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Zurich UVI | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 |
| Geneve UVI | 2 | 3 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Lausanne UVI | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 7 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| Sankt Stephan | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 3 | 2 |